Features

Two and a half years in, land banking takes shape in New York State

Luke Telander Thursday, February 27, 2014

Since the legislation passed in 2011, land banking in New York is well underway. What has the start-up journey looked like? And what does the future hold for the state’s eight land banks?

President's Preview

Tamar Shapiro Thursday, February 27, 2014

Organizations across America are developing aesthetically pleasing solutions to eliminate broken and boarded up windows and doors.

From problems to possibility: Collaborative teams reshape brownfields planning in West Virginia

Marty Levine Thursday, February 27, 2014

Using a unique process that matches local stakeholders with experts, the Northern West Virginia Brownfields Assistance Center is helping small towns revitalize.

Raising the bar in The Big Easy: Remediating 10,000 blighted properties in less than four years

Chelsea A. Allinger Thursday, February 27, 2014

In January 2014, Mayor Landrieu announced that the City of New Orleans has beat its goal of remediating 10,000 blighted properties. How did they do it?

Getting on board: A conversation with Erika Poethig

Community Progress Thursday, February 27, 2014

Community Progress speaks with Erika Poethig, Institute Fellow and Director of Urban Policy Initiatives at the Urban Institute and new member of the Community Progress Board of Directors, about her work and passion for cities.

Adding "oomph" to enforcement: a statewide coalition reshapes Louisiana's blight fight

Community Progress Thursday, September 05, 2013

What started out as a lunchtime conversation at a national conference back in 2010 culminated this past spring with state legislative reforms that dramatically strengthen blight prevention work in Louisiana.

President's Preview

Tamar Shapiro Thursday, September 05, 2013

Next week, over 700 professionals from around the country will descend on Philadelphia for the fifth Reclaiming Vacant Properties Conference, coming together to share ideas and inspire action to revitalize vacant properties.

Getting on board: A conversation with Presley Gillespie

Community Progress Thursday, September 05, 2013

Community Progress welcomes Presley Gillespie, Executive Director of the Youngstown Neighborhood Development Corporation, to our Board of Directors. We recently spoke with Mr. Gillespie about his work and life in Youngstown, Ohio.

Using contests to rehabilitate vacant lots

Marty Levine Thursday, September 05, 2013

A contest is one innovative way to spur the rehabilitation of vacant lots. Contests bring out new players with fresh ideas and connect them with the funds and resources to turn those ideas into projects. Writer Marty Levine explores contests in St. Louis, Youngstown and New Orleans.

President's Preview

Tamar Shapiro Tuesday, May 21, 2013

Hear from Community Progress President, Tamar Shapiro, about what Reclaiming Vacant Properties has in store for you.

Transferring Lessons and Making Connections: State Caucuses

Community Progress Tuesday, May 21, 2013

Take the time to get to know the movers and shakers from your state during a state caucus.

The Road to Passing the Pennsylvania Land Bank Act

Community Progress Tuesday, May 21, 2013

The passage of the Pennsylvania Land Bank Act was the result of many years of coalition-building and advocacy efforts. Hear from some of the dedicated leaders about the approach taken to pass the bill and how they continue to support land banking efforts in communities across the state.

Visit Philadelphia the RVP Way

Community Progress Tuesday, May 21, 2013

Community Progress will host seven tours over two days of September's RVP conference, allowing you to hear first-hand about the struggles and triumphs of the people making progress happen in our host city.

Recipe for a Successful Conference: Local Partners

Community Progress Tuesday, May 21, 2013

Since the first RVP conference, we have been honored to work with exceptional local practitioners. These volunteers help make your experience a great one.

President's Column

Tamar Shapiro Thursday, March 21, 2013

How can the federal government best partner with local leaders to support innovation and policy reform that can lift up distressed communities? Community Progress President Tamar Shapiro discusses the needed steps to build an effective agenda for renewal.